<p>DS is not sure of his major but will likely start in Finance. I can also see him double majoring in something like Math or French. Ultimately, he may want to go for an MBA or JD. </p>
<p>He's narrowed down his options to VT and Alabama (Honors College for both, hopefully). Both offer a great atmosphere and lots of opportunities to explore developing interests, so let's assume that the final deciding factor will be which is going to better prepare him for the job market/graduate school.</p>
<p>BusinessWeek ranks VT significantly higher than UA, apparently due to a wide disparity in recruiter and MBA feeder rankings. Yet UA grads report a higher average starting salary. (It's hard to tell how much these rankings are affected by response rates, etc.). Yet, neither program seems particularly strong in placing Finance graduates in jobs related to their major (i.e., not as a sales rep) -- at least not outside of the immediate geographic region. </p>
<p>So, which would be "better" for S? Top decision criteria are:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Job prospects at graduation -- i.e., meaningful employment in a job related to his major that offers upward mobility opportunities and/or the kind of experience that will be attactive to top MBA and JD programs.</p></li>
<li><p>Career guidance and placement support.</p></li>
<li><p>Internship opportunities, particularly overseas (S speaks French and is a dual US-EU citizen).</p></li>
<li><p>Teaching quality -- how many classes are taught by TAs? How many award grades based on "multiple guess" tests vs. in-class discussion that helps students learn to think critically and analyze problems?</p></li>
<li><p>Class sizes in required courses for major.</p></li>
<li><p>Ability to graduate in 4 years, thus saving enough $ for grad school (S will hopefully be awarded 12+ credits if he does well enough on his IB exams and CLEP tests).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks!</p>